Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 1996

preservation o f hallowed scriptures in the East, to medieval centres of learning based on their acknowledged classics, and finally to our 'multiversities' with highly specialized subjects and professional courses. Society needs universities as guardians of what we believe in. It needs them as planners for w h a t the f u t u r e may h o l d . Eq u a l l y , universities must be an integral par t of society, serving its present and future requirements. Perhaps more pertinent to Hong Kong and the century ahead of us is the question of who we think we are. Some historians have traced the evolution of Hong Kong from a collection of fishing villages under a decadent Qing dynasty to a precious and glittering jewel in the British crown, yet the success of H o ng Ko n g is mu ch more c omp l i c a t e d t han s i mp l y g o od l o c al administration. We have benefited from the goodwill and support of China — which provides us w i t h f o od an d water, an d cooperation with Hon g Kong authorities in areas of law enforcement, immigration, and trade. This is just to mention a few areas. Although 98 per cent o f the population in Hong Kon g is ethnic Chinese, we have assimilated many Western attitudes and ideals. This partnership, based on mutual understanding and respect, has been the cornerstone of our success. If we think of ourselves as Westerners, rejecting our history, ou r culture and our heritage, we shall certainly be the poorer for it. If, on the other hand, we ignore the successes of an administration which has provided a stable an d honest government, we may have taken the first step down a slippery slope. It is easy to criticize c o r r up t i on , nepotism, unfairness, and injustice. It is easy to praise idealism. No one, or indeed no side, has a monopoly of either or both of these polarized groups of qualities. Instead, we must search for and cultivate positive attitudes with which t o face the future. We must have the confidence to admit that we are Chinese. We must have the confidence to k n ow that we are uniquely positioned t o blend our wonderful heritage with wha t is the best from the West. The founding fathers of The Chinese University of Hong Kong had the wisdom to see what Hong Kong continues to need. By placing emphasis on bilingualism, reflecting the importance of both cultures, they hoped that our graduates wou ld usefully serve our community and our country. To k now Chinese and English is to k n ow the two languages spoken b y the largest number of people on earth, two rich languages. If acquiring a culture means getting acquainted with 'the bes t that has been known an d said in the world, and thus with the history of the human spirit', then our bilingualism wil l open the two widest doors onto that prospect. To this end, our university is pledged to strengthen ou r endeavours in language enhancement by coordinating our existing programmes, introducing more modern and effective methods of language teaching, and emphasizing through our general education courses the significance not only of our Chinese but also our Hong Kong heritage. Finally, on this special day, I wou ld like to thank all my teachers and colleagues who have encouraged me to realize my aspirations in life. I woul d also like to thank my students who have stimulated me t o reach out for higher ideals. To my parents, who have given me every opportunity in life, I am forever grateful. My only regret is that my late father is not here today. Last, but not least, I wish to thank my wife. She has sacrificed her own career to support me wit h devotion throughout all our years together. Thank you. • Chinese University Bulletin Autumn . Winter 1996 8